Kusal Perera’s thundering innings of 101 off just 46 balls led Sri Lanka to a consolation win over the Black Caps in the third and final Twenty20 international in Nelson on Thursday.
While making his highest T20 international score, the 34-year-old veteran received strong support from his captain, Charith Asalanka, who made 46 off 24 as their side posted 218-5 from their 20 overs, then took three wickets as New Zealand were kept to 211-7.
Mitchell Santner’s decision to bowl first in gloomy conditions after morning rain and a half-hour delay due to a wet outfield at Saxton Oval did not pay off, as his side were denied a clean sweep with the seven-run defeat, having won the first two matches in Mount Maunganui.
